Try to remember that we are all people with families, and not numbers to present to Congress. Please don't change policy solely for the sake of an OER. Truly believe in the changes you are making, and do not enforce a policy just because someone else said to. Challenge new policy that does not seem right or make sense. The Coast Guard has a great reputation, and is a great place to work. Please continue the good work.

Lots of responsibility, great people, awe-inspiring missions, eclectic mix of tasks, many leadership opportunities, great personal and professional development infrastructure

Cons

more and more demanding, woefully obsolete fleet of ships, leadership seems unclear on role and mission priorities and unable to translate needs into resources at the congressional and department level, hard to get in, curse with "do more with less" mentality

Advice to Management

Decide what the priorities are, focus on those priorities, shed non-priorities to other agencies based on the will of Congress and the American taxpayer